SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Advantage Rent-A-Car has enhanced its booking automation so that global distribution systems, such as Sabre, have direct access to Advantage's database of rates and information.

The company's new product is designed to offer seamless connectivity for rate-shopping systems like Sabre. Updated information on policies, vehicles and rates can be accessed instantly. Customers can also acquire pricing details of their rental itinerary, including duration of rental, currency indicated, extra distance charges, rate, taxes, fees and approximate total price.

"More information means better customer service," said Traci L. Esch, director of marketing operations for Advantage. "We want to avoid sticker shock at the counter by providing the renter with every related cost associated with the rental ahead of time. We see this as a win-win for the booking agent, the customer and us."